Best Interests (2023): Season 1, Episode 1 - Episode #1.1 - full transcript
This programme contains some
strong language from the start
and some scenes which some
viewers may find upsetting.
HE SIGHS HEAVILY
DOG BARKS IN DISTANCE
RADIO: My heart goes out to
the family, it really does.
It's such a difficult situation.
I suppose what the medics look
at is the prospective recovery.
They don't want to make a decision,
so they have to go to the court.
But they clearly
feel that this is...
CAR ENGINE STARTS
RADIO: In the papers this
morning, this makes the front page
on nearly every... RADIO OFF
HE SIGHS Ready? Yeah.
It's going to be
OK. Yeah, yeah.
RADIO: When is it right for doctors
to withdraw treatment from very
sick children and
allow them to die?
Usually such decisions are made
in partnership between doctors
and parents, but when
they can't agree,
hospitals must seek
permission from a judge.
JUMBLED SHOUTS FROM CROWD
Nicci! Nicci! Hey, Nicci!
SHOUTS CONTINUE
We're just going to go straight
in, thank you very much.
Hi, Nicci, what would you say
to mothers in your position?
I wouldn't need to say anything,
because they'd understand.
Because they, like me, have spent
their entire lives fighting.
TRAIN HORN BLASTS
Look, I know you've got the
queen in your hand, play that!
Well, maybe I don't
want to play the queen!
IMITATES GANGSTER You wanna
play dangerous with me?
Whatever that is, I'm scared!
I'm being a mobster!
We're on the train,
we're playing cards, it
was an idea. It passed.
You'd have been my moll.
Do cowboys have molls?
Not cowboys, mobsters! No!
You'd have been kept anyway. No.
I would have found someone
much more powerful to keep me.
No-one more powerful than
me would have wanted you!
Nonsense, I'd have been an
accountant who mainly specialised
in fencing arrangements!
Er, I could have cleaned any money.
I would have been known as Bagwash.
SHE LAUGHS
I know a game we can play.
Follow me, Bagwash.
What?
Come on!
What are you doing? Ooh, no.
No. No!
This is not comfortable.
Can we not just enjoy
our last bit of freedom?
We are too old for...
Oh! OK. OK?
Yeah, well, you know,
my knees are not great.
And this is a bit... No,
it's nice. Just shush.
But... Shush! Will
you stop shushing me?!
Oh! Ow! What? Fuck! I'm trying!
Ow! Fuck! THEY GIGGLE
Race you!
Nicci! Come on! It's for fun!
Not through the car park.
What's the matter with you?
Heaven's sake!
It's fine. What's fine?
If there were any problems,
they would have called.
Yeah, I know.
HE LAUGHS What?
Hey!
On time! Very impressive.
Hey, a welcoming
party! Hi. All right?
Good trip? Great
trip! How were they?
Oh, both as good as gold.
Yeah, she had a bit of
a turn at one point.
What? What kind of a turn?
But Alice gave her a cold
compress and read her a story
and that sorted her
out a little bit.
Right. Katie wasn't on
her phone the whole time?
Oh, a bit. But she was good.
Helpful. Helpful? Yeah.
Alice hardly slept. Kept checking
on her every five minutes.
Well, the alarms work fine.
You think I didn't
tell her that? Hey!
Hi! How are you?
Good! You look like
you had a good time.
We did. Yeah? Yeah.
They've been brilliant.
Well, we'd expect nothing less!
Right, we're off then.
You'll be OK
getting back? Ha-ha!
It's only a full three streets
away, mate, we're not that tired!
Listen, I can't tell you what
this break has done for us.
Ah! Mwah! They are
both such lovely girls.
Ah, thank you. See ya!
She was smiling.
Well, there's a lot to be
smiling about, mate, right?
Yeah.
Listen, er...
I'll see you at work.
You certainly will.
Hmm! And how were you?
Bored. At one
point Frank told me
all about the internal workings
of a combustion engine.
Ha, yeah. Well, he doesn't
do wide ranging conversation.
But you like Alice, right?
Yeah, well, every time she
talked, he interrupted her, so...
Well, thank you for
trying to be polite.
NICCI: OK? Are you
comfy? Yeah. Yeah?
Can I have my blanket?
WHISPERS: She's a bit sweaty.
Mum was telling me
about the holiday.
Oh, it was great. She
said you dried your socks
on the radiator and they stank.
Um, excuse me!
The hotel was charging
£3 for washing socks,
so I did them myself.
Cheapskate. Mwah! Night, love.
What? It was supposed
to be romantic.
You told me it was
going to be romantic.
Well, the socks didn't
dilute the romance too badly.
THERMOMETER BEEPS
And if anything, they helped.
Turns out your mum
likes stinky rooms! Hmm.
Now, what are we reading?
Please tell me we've
finished that damn wizard.
SINGSONG: Goodnight,
sleep tight.
I'll see you in the morning.
You promised you'd stop that.
I love you, I love you, I love
you, I love you, I love you.
Goodnight.
PLATES CLATTER
Hey. Hey. She go down
OK? Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Bed? Er... Yeah,
I'll be up in a bit.
If you come to bed
we could, er...
finish what we started in
that disgusting toilet. Ha-ha!
You know, if you
wanted to. Right. Or...
Or, or we could... I
think Katie's still awake.
No, she's not. She's not. Let's stay
on holiday for a bit longer, eh?
You taste of peanut butter. Mm!
Alley-oop! Oh!
CUTLERY RATTLES Mm.
Ooh! THEY GIGGLE
MUSIC: Fools Gold
by The Stone Roses
NICCI: Andrew!
Andrew!
Andrew! ALARM PEALS
MARNIE BREATHES RAGGEDLY
It's all right, pet.
I've got you. I've got
you. It's all right.
It's OK. Just breathe.
SUCTION WHOOSHES
Ambulance? Yeah. It's on its
way. Her temperature's rocketing.
It's another fucking infection.
It's all right, honey.
It's all right. It's
all right. You ready?
OK. It's all right.
It's all right.
OK. You're OK. OK.
That's it, just breathe.
SIREN WAILS
It's OK, darling,
we're nearly there.
MARNIE BREATHS RAGGEDLY
OK. Sh, sh, sh.
It's going to be OK,
sweetheart. Don't worry.
I'm right here,
Marnie. Mum's here.
I'm going to send Katie a text.
Oxygen levels stabilised, blah,
blah. Normal drill, go to sleep.
Temperature stable.
Temperature checked.
What do you mean? I
checked her temperature.
Right.
Bizarrely, I feel quite hungry.
Probably all that exercise. Hmm.
Um, can I get you...?
I can't buy crisps for
one. I won't eat them.
You don't need to eat them.
You just need to have them.
Having them means I can have them.
Difference being, I'll eat mine.
Cheese and onion.
Cheese and onion.
Oh, money. I didn't bring money.
COINS RATTLE
I may need to buy a
chocolate bar too.
KISSES I checked
her temperature.
COINS RATTLE, DROP
MACHINE WHIRS, PRODUCT CLUNKS
We're going to have to
forget about it for now.
We'll have another
look when we get back.
Andrew, come on, we're
going to be late.
OK, I'm sure we can get something
when we're there. Andrew...
I couldn't find her bloody water.
Did you hide your bottle again? No.
She can use mine. Just
get her in the car.
In the car. I'm going to
close the boot. You get in.
No, no, no, no,
not today, Caitlin.
No, no, no. Come on. I want
to drive. I want to drive.
Right, in you get.
Not today. Come on.
In you get with your sister.
That's it. I'm tired.
OK. Well, it's 11am. I
think you'll survive.
Right.
OK. OK. Here, darling,
take mine. Thanks.
IGNITION STARTS, "THE WHEELS
ON THE BUS" PLAYS LOUDLY
Sorry. Sorry, Marnie.
TURNS VOLUME DOWN
Right. OK, everyone ready?
Yeah, yeah, I've got
the letter I think.
Yeah. You go and get a seat.
Hi. Um, we've got an
appointment at one...
Ah, we're a bit late for
an appointment at 1.15
with Dr... Sendak? Am
I saying that right?
I want Dad's phone. Why?
Are you expecting a call?
KATIE GRIZZLES Ask him,
don't ask me. Ask him.
Stop.
She wants your phone.
I've just... I've just got
to do a few work things.
You got her started on it.
Here you go.
Don't be nervous.
Of course I'm nervous.
So, we've had all
our tests back.
She's lovely, by the way.
Ah, who's this? A
young doctor? Sure.
Do you want a
challenge? Come with me.
I would like you to draw a
family of faces on these,
so that by the time me and
Mummy and Daddy have finished
our meeting, you can do us a
puppet show, OK? OK. Fantastic.
Also lovely. Thank you.
Ah, yeah.
We've had the test results
back and, er, they do indicate
a problem with her muscles.
So, can you make a diagnosis?
Well, they showed
abnormal muscle cells
suggestive of a
muscular dystrophy.
Although genetic testing has been
unable to identify a sub-type.
So she has muscular dystrophy,
but you don't know what kind?
Yeah. This is true in a lot
of patients, I'm afraid.
Ah...
What does this mean...
for her future, Doctor?
Well, that's where this
is particularly difficult.
Looking at her test results
and charting her progress,
I would say that a
further deterioration
seems extremely likely.
She's unlikely to be
able to walk unaided,
and she's likely to see other
complications to key organs.
NICCI SOBS QUIETLY
What?
I think it's very important that you
know this as quickly as possible.
I think you should prepare
yourselves for the possibility
that Marnie's life
will not be a full one.
Really?
I'm sorry, yes. In my
professional opinion, yes.
Although science, of course,
can do wonderful things.
Hey. How are you doing over
there? Have you done me yet?
It's very important
you get my nose right.
Perhaps we should be
speaking to someone else?
I would recommend it. It frequently
sets people's minds at rest.
And I can give you a list of doctors
names, if you like? Yes. Thank you.
Please come and talk
to me again, any time.
This is a number for me so
we can set up a meeting,
perhaps when you haven't
got the kids with you.
We had to bring them both because
we both wanted to be here.
Of course. And I've loved
having them both here.
There are many beautiful
stories in this life.
Please don't assume
that Marnie's story
is going to be any
less beautiful.
It'll just be different, and you
have to adapt to that difference.
And you'll find
such joy if you do.
MUNCHES NOISILY
And you'll bring those out to me
as soon as you have them? Right.
Hey.
So, Marnie has a
severe chest infection.
She's on a ventilator
and now stable.
We're not able to tell when
she'll be well enough to extubate.
With the previous damage
to her lungs and now this,
it may prove difficult.
We went away. We left
her with friends.
Important to get away.
Yeah, but if we'd have been
there, I'd have seen signs...
You didn't do
anything wrong, Nicci.
You didn't do anything wrong.
You're excellent parents.
Look, you've heard
this enough times,
but the best thing to do
now is go home and sleep.
We'll know more in the morning.
VENTILATOR HISSES
DISTANT SIRENS WAIL
Going away...
..it didn't cause this.
We've been here
before. It'll be fine.
Apollo 11, this is Houston,
the pitches are hot-firing,
and it's looking good.
Houston, this is Apollo
11, and this is some ride!
You are both idiots!
We are highly trained
astronauts, I'll have you know!
I cannae hold her,
Captain! She's breaking up!
THEY LAUGH
I thought I got
everything. Hey.
Yeah. No, I saw you'd
tidied. That was...
Thank you, that was kind.
I just wanted to
help. Maybe I didn't.
No, you did. This is...
..this is just me, you know,
taking my mind off things.
Yeah. You OK?
Yeah, yeah. Great.
Erm, do you want to do
something this weekend?
When Marnie's back?
Well, I'm busy this
weekend. All weekend?
Yeah. My orchestra has
that thing... Oh, shit.
No, it's OK, it's just... No,
no. It's not. It's not OK,
because, erm... Look, I
didn't... Um... I, I didn't...
You don't need to show me.
No, no, wait... I just...
Let me... Please don't show
me. No, I want to show you.
It's fine. It's in
the diary. There.
You don't need to come.
Of course I'm going to come.
I heard there's a big
trumpet scout in town, OK?
Handing out trumpet
scholarships. Ha-ha! Right.
Specifically looking for Grade
4 players who can parp out
Peter Rabbit's Got
A Fly Upon His Nose.
Oh, you're a bitch. You're
a bitch! Parp pa-pa-parp!
THEY LAUGH Parp parp parp!
She's going to be OK, right?
Of course she is.
This is all... this is just normal.
It's absolutely normal. Yeah.
OK? It's just the usual.
Music?
Do you mind if we don't?
Radio 4?
Yeah, you can if you want.
Always seems like there's a
complete lack of mystery here.
What? In the town?
Yeah. Don't you think?
Like if you knocked on any
door, you'd find exactly
what you'd expect to find.
I suppose that's what a
home is. The expected.
RADIO: The UK national newspapers
are calling on the Government
to protect the Freedom
of Information Act
following criticism that the public
are being unfairly obstructed...
RADIO AND ENGINE OFF
You don't need to come in. We
know what they're going to say.
No. Look, you've
taken four days off
and there may be a pile up of
stuff. Frank can't handle it all.
IGNITION STARTS
SIRENS WAIL
Nicci!
I've got a new Jojo
Moyes! Oh, that's nice.
Well, you liked her last one.
Yeah, I did. She's great.
I'm just not really
in a reading mood.
The Coopers have been
back through. OK.
I think their little girl might
be stage four now. Very sad.
Right. Well, be sure to tell
them my kid's dying too.
Well, I, I...
I'm sorry. Sorry.
I thought you'd care. No,
I do... I was passing on.
I'm not a gossip. I-I know.
I'm sorry. I... Sorry. Sorry.
Have you finished with the
one you last had from me?
The Anne Tyler? Yeah. Yeah.
Well, you should bring them
back, when you've done with them,
the books you buy from me.
So I can sell them again.
And that way, everyone benefits.
Yeah, I'll do that,
Gladys. I'm sorry.
Nicci? Can we just...? Yeah.
Fuck.
She's had a hard night, but she's
responding to the antibiotics now.
Good. She's a fighter.
Wilful. She's wilful.
Samantha would like Andrew to
come in, to talk to you both.
About what? All I know is she
wants to talk to you. Fine.
When? I think about
four, if that's possible.
Hey. Hey, honey.
Hey, Marnie.
How's she doing? She's doing OK.
Shall we get that
gorgeous hair brushed?
The doctors have
you all in a tangle.
There you go.
Are you OK, boss?
Sure. It'll be fine.
I've told her to come at four, if
you'd still like to see them then?
Yes. Yes, that's perfect.
I can be there. You'll be vital.
That bad, is it?
You're always vital.
Are you still going to those
sessions with Dr Stewart?
I don't have time.
You look thinner.
Thank you, Doctor.
I'm entirely fine.
I'm going to start
bringing you in a sandwich.
If I start eating your sandwiches,
then I really am in trouble.
You look thin. You can fuck off!
Hmm. Right, yes, I will.
Mm. But, in the meantime,
let us admit young Anoushka.
Hey. 'Hi.' Eh, you're
needed, after all.
They want to talk to us,
at four, I think they said.
I think there might
be something wrong.
Erm, just get here as
quickly as you can, will you?
'OK. I'll be there.' Bye.
Are you all right? Hey. Yeah.
You want to go straight up? Yeah.
Yeah? OK.
Hi. Hi. Hi.
Coffee? Or the brown sludge we
call coffee around here. I'm fine.
I'll have a coffee. Oh, I
always knew there'd be one.
Nicci, white, two sugars,
isn't it? Er, yeah, OK.
Erm, it's one sugar.
I'm cutting down.
Good on you. I can't.
It's fine. I've got
those, thank you.
Sorry, have we met before? No.
Hello, I'm Dr Nescott. Nicci.
Jeremy. Hi. Apologies.
He's one of our palliative
care consultants.
Why are we meeting with
someone from palliative care?
Erm, let's sit down and
have a chat, shall we?
Please.
Marnie has a serious
chest infection
and it seems that it's more severe
than any she's ever had before.
Is it something we could
have noticed earlier?
These infections are happening with
increasing frequency and severity.
It has nothing to
do with holidays.
You have done nothing wrong.
Um, so, we're going
to need a timeframe -
when you're going
to try to extubate,
when we can take her home.
I think before we try and take
the breathing tube out again,
we need to review Marnie's
advanced care plan,
to agree on what should or
shouldn't happen, if she's not
able to breathe on her own. I
thought we'd already made clear...
These chest infections
are having an impact.
We call this stepwise
deterioration.
Each time she's a little sicker,
it takes longer to recover,
and she never gets back
to where she was before.
She is a fighter.
She's wilful. Hmm.
The last year, as you know,
has been extremely tough,
on you, on her. I've counted.
We've intubated her six times,
and it's very unpleasant for her
to have to keep going
back on the ventilator.
We have to question
the costs of that.
The costs?
To Marnie.
We think it's time to discuss
whether it's right to keep
treating her in this way.
Well, if we are
revisiting costs,
then maybe it's time to start
thinking about fitting a trachy.
As I've said before, Nicci...
I think you can explain again.
A tracheostomy is an
intrusive procedure.
It requires intensive,
painful, ongoing management,
and it is very unlikely, given
the state of Marnie's lungs,
that she will be fit enough.
There are cases. I mean,
there are a lot of cases
where people have taken
their children home with trachys
and, I think... It won't work.
I'm really sorry. Why don't you
just say what you want to say, OK?
Because this dancing around,
it's not helping anyone.
What exactly are you saying? She's
saying that she wants her to die.
No. No, that's not...
We believe it's time to
consider, just consider,
moving her to
supportive care only.
And, yes, that is why
I invited Dr Nescott.
We can make her comfort
the top priority.
She still laughs.
She still loves.
She still...
I can still see so
much inside her.
She's a smashing girl, but
her body is failing her.
Right, well, then we start talking
about more experimental treatments,
OK? Vamorolone has
worked for Duchenne's,
erm, Zolgensma for SMA.
You know, something like that. One
of those or something like that.
Nicci, she's
deteriorating rapidly.
And increasing medical intervention
will have less and less impact
on her life expectancy.
But more importantly,
they will hurt her.
I am really sorry.
Yeah.
Yeah, you already said.
I don't need my
fucking hand held, OK?
Not for this.
We asked you for a timeframe,
so just give us a timeframe.
When can we take her home?
I'll have a better idea
whether that's even possible
in the next few days.
OK, then.
Please be careful.
Take your time.
Marnie, that's cheating.
Not so fast, Marnie.
Not so... not so fast!
Just stay under 8mph.
Nicci, we can see Marnie, then go on
home and we'll talk properly then.
We are not leaving
here without her.
They've saved her life countless
times. Yeah, when they wanted to.
They wanted to before.
They don't now.
You had no idea what she was
building to in there, I knew.
I knew, I knew as soon as
she wanted to pull us in.
I knew because I have seen
how she looks at Marnie.
I want a different
doctor now, OK? I want...
OK, let's... let's go
home. Katie's expecting us.
We need to talk to her and
explain what's happening.
No, you can go home to Katie.
She doesn't need both of us.
I'm going to stay here, OK?
Because I need to stay here.
I'm going to go to Marnie.
Nicci? Nic, Nicci? Nic?
I believe that she has
moments of great happiness.
Do you believe that?
Yes. I believe that she has
moments where she sees the world,
and sees enormous beauty in it.
Yeah, I think so too.
I believe that she knows and that
she feels love. Of course she does.
I know what you're
thinking. And you are wrong.
You don't know what I'm thinking.
They don't get to decide what to do.
She's our child! I love her too!
Do you think I don't fucking...
Then promise me that
you will fight for her.
I will fight with
everything I've got.
Now, there's nothing we can
do here, please, let's...
..let's go home.
I thought you'd be
bringing her home.
Er, no, no.
Where's mum?
How bad is she?
Pretty bad.
What does that mean?
Er, things have, erm...
..developed.
Developed, how?
Erm...
Is she going to die, Dad?
She's been dying for a
long time, you know that.
Is she dying now?
Can you... Can you not?
I've enough to cope with,
dealing with your mum,
don't do this to me. OK.
Hey!
You still reading?
Where's your lamb? There he is.
Caitlin, we've something to tell
you. Katie. It's Katie, remember.
Erm, yeah.
Your sister's very poorly.
What?
Your sister's going to be, er...
Your sister's very poorly.
Will she be OK?
Hey. Hey.
Did I hear you playing
the trumpet? Er, no.
Oh, God, I'm hearing
ghost trumpets again!
When did you get here?
Er, I'm just here for
a change of knickers.
That's your catchphrase,
do you know that?
Just here for a
change of knickers.
Is it? Mm. God, that
sounds moderately sexy.
KATIE LAUGHS
Did you sleep at all?
No. It's early though, isn't it?
Yeah, it's like, half-six.
Right. I'll see you later.
Try and get a little sleep
before you go back. Katie.
I'm fine, Mum.
But, um...
Your dad told you
what's happening?
He told me there'd
been... developments,
and then he got pissed off.
Well, um...
the hospital said that
they want to stop...
treatment.
Look, let's have a piece
of toast, OK? Let's...
We'll watch some
breakfast TV, and...
Yeah, I've got time for toast.
Mum. Mum.
It's OK.
Go to bed. Go to sleep.
I'll just... talk to you later.
But she's going to be
fine. Yeah. You'll see.
They're wrong about
her. Yeah. Yeah.
OK.
This one is Katie the dog.
I mean, apparently, I wanted
to give her my own name.
MARNIE GURGLES
This is Annabel.
Don't call your doll Annabel.
This is Norby.
I don't know where
that name came from.
And this is Rosie, named after
a girl I liked in reception.
But she turned
out to be a bully,
which is why her face has been
scrubbed out with permanent marker.
But Mum said you might
want to play with them.
Katie the dog. You can keep her.
These are yours now.
Hey.
Hey.
Oh, you saved me one. Is
that weird? It's a bit weird.
And it smells. What shit are
you putting in your hair?
Shampoo. I don't know.
It smells like musk.
Yeah, it's probably musk.
What the fuck is musk?
THEY LAUGH
I mean, the doctors are pretty
sound, most of the time.
You know, the ones that I know.
And they just think, like...
What is it? It's
called grey death.
It'll have you in a deep
coma within two hours.
Is my mum's clonazepam. She got
deep into them during Covid.
So, will they? Stop it?
You know, your sister? No.
My mum will keep her
alive as a sort of...
..breathing husk.
She thinks it's all her fault, that
she was, like, selfish to have her.
Yeah, my mum thinks that, too.
Does she?
Look, don't have a
go at me about it.
Your mum thinks
she's selfish too.
What, so you'd... kill her?
That's how you're asking
that? No, sorry, um, you'd...
let her go? No.
I mean, she's still... You saw
her, she's still able to live a...
She still laughs.
How can you let go of
someone who still laughs?
Because they're
in pain, I guess?
Yeah, but she's not a... dog.
She's a human. Look,
sure. I like her.
Your mum shouldn't say
stuff like that. Mm.
Is the pill working?
How will I know when
it is? Oh, you'll know.
No, then.
So, how's school? Yeah.
How's orchestra? Really? How's
Natalie Crowmore? She still a bitch?
How's job-hunting? Oh, OK,
yeah. Sure. Fair enough.
Well, my dad sent me an email
with jobs he's found online.
He keeps saying, "Have you
seen my email with the links?"
Well, um, I got a solo,
and I can't do it.
And, yeah, Natalie is, yeah...
still a bitch.
Well...
why don't you just
tell her to fuck off?
That pill's kicking in.
So, does Marnie get prescribed
diazepam or chloral hydrate?
Hannah, don't be suggesting
that... I'm just joking. Jesus.
Maybe.
Bug up your arse. Well, next
time you tell a joke, wink.
Yeah? Yeah! So I actually know.
There's been a problem.
She's had another, er..
OK, well, I'm coming.
She's in the best place. She's had
an emergency in the hospital, Dad.
That means it's bad. I'm coming.
You smell of cigarettes.
VOICES, PHONES RING
DOOR BEEPS
What happened? One, two,
three, four, five, six...
seven, eight, nine,
ten, eleven...
Stop compressions, check pulse.
Good chest rise. And resume.
One, two, three, four...
Hey.
Marnie's had a cardiac arrest
due to a collapsed lung.
She's had a heart attack?
Do not let her die in there.
She's now stable, but
it took extensive CPR.
And I want you to prepare
yourselves for the very likely
possibility that she might have some
brain damage as a result of this.
If she dies... She
won't, she won't, Nicci.
She's now stable.
They've got her.
We're doing all we can for
her. You will do anything.
And everything.
Please.
She'll be fine.
She'll be fine.
PHONE RINGS
There's something about hospitals
that makes me hungry for crisps.
I think there's something
about everywhere that makes you
hungry for crisps. Nonsense. I'm
the healthiest person I know.
COINS JINGLE
You OK?
Are you OK? I asked first.
I actually meant it.
SHE SIGHS
Brain damage and heart attacks.
Yeah, I know.
Now, can I interest you
in a packet of crisps?
Um...
Dad.
Sandwiches.
I brought cheese and pickle
sandwiches. Oh, thanks, Dad.
And a sausage roll for the
boy here. Ah, thanks, Eddie.
And a...
A vegan bread, whatever it is.
It's just gluten-free bread,
Grandad, thank you. Aye.
I tried a bit with butter
when dicing and slicing.
Actually it wasn't bad.
Tasted almost like bread.
Yeah? A bit... dry.
Yeah.
How's she doing?
Er, we're waiting
for a brain scan.
Right.
Right.
OK, I need you to
concentrate now,
because in a second the
song's going to kick in,
and I need you to hear it. OK.
You'll know it. And then
beats, I do...? That one. OK.
Yeah, here we go. OK,
OK. Three, two, one...
♪ Let's let things come
out of the woodwork
♪ I'll give you my best side,
tell you all my best lies... ♪
And then up!
♪ Awesome, right? ♪
And then twist.
♪ Let things come
out of the woodwork
♪ I'll give you my best side,
tell you all my best lies
♪ Seeing me rolling,
showing someone else love
♪ Dancing with our shoes off
♪ Know I think you're
awesome, right?
♪ Our rules, our
dreams, we're blind
♪ Blowing shit up
♪ With home-made d-d-d-dynamite
♪ Our friends, our
drinks, we get inspired
♪ Blowing shit up
♪ With home-made d-d-d-dynamite
♪ Blowing shit up
♪ With home-made d-d-d... ♪
SHRIEK ON TV
LAUGHTER ON TV
Hey.
You know you're 17?
Out of the catchment area
for The Dumping Ground.
How's she doing,
Mum? She's, er...
You know, she's...
I'm just here for a
change of knickers, and...
Good.
That's good. I'm not just
here for a change of knickers.
I'm here to see you. OK.
Your dad's going to stay at
the hospital tonight as well.
You're going to be on your
own. Is that OK? Yeah.
Or you could come too.
To the hospital. If you like.
Um... I'll be better here.
I like watching her shows too.
I'm off, then. See you tomorrow.
See you tomorrow, twinkle toes.
OK.
Let's go hard at some
Adrian Mole, then, shall we?
What do you think?
I know you're a bit old, but...
..thought you might
like it anyway.
HE CLEARS HIS THROAT
Always loved Adrian Mole.
Massively over-empathised,
to be honest with you.
And on the upside,
it's not about wizards.
So, er...
PAGES TURN
Ahem. OK.
"Saturday, May the 9th.
"I was woken up at 8:30 by a
loud banging on the front door.
"It was an electricity
board official.
"I was amazed to
hear..." Thank you.
"that he had come to
turn off the electricity.
"Tuesday, May the 12th.
"Had a long talk with Mr Vann,
the careers teacher, today.
"He said that if I want to be
a vet, I'll have to do physics,
"chemistry and
biology for O-level.
"He said that art, woodwork and
domestic science won't do much good.
"I am at the
crossroads in my life."
VENTILATOR HISSES
"The wrong decision now
could result in a tragic loss
"to the veterinary world.
"I'm hopeless at science."
Don't stop on my account.
ANDREW SOBS
Don't do that.
She can hear. Andrew!
Andrew, don't do that.
She can hear you, Andrew! I'm
sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Did you see that? Andrew!
She moved. She...
She... She felt
me and she moved.
Marnie, honey, can you
do that again, please?
Can you squeeze my hand?
She's going to get better.
DOORBELL RINGS
Katie, it's time.
Hiya. Hiya, kid.
Katie, now!
How are you doing?
I'm OK. Let's go.
And how are you doing?
I think we've all been better.
MAN: Nicci!
WOMAN: Nicci! Nicci!
REPORTERS ALL SHOUT
We're just going to go straight
in, thank you very much.
Excuse me, sorry, please...
Right, Nicci, what would you
say to mothers in your position?
I wouldn't need to say anything,
because they'd understand.
Because they, like me, have spent
their entire lives fighting.
For money, for wheelchairs.
For breathing equipment,
for night-time support,
for educational support,
because they, like me,
have had to swallow
their tongues
while those in power
have tried to cheat...
tried to cheat them out
of what their child needs.
I have fought for my
daughter her entire life,
and the way it has
worked every single time
is that those who have
wanted to doubt her
have told me lie after lie.
The hospital wants
my daughter to die.
And I... I believe...
I believe she should live.
strong language from the start
and some scenes which some
viewers may find upsetting.
HE SIGHS HEAVILY
DOG BARKS IN DISTANCE
RADIO: My heart goes out to
the family, it really does.
It's such a difficult situation.
I suppose what the medics look
at is the prospective recovery.
They don't want to make a decision,
so they have to go to the court.
But they clearly
feel that this is...
CAR ENGINE STARTS
RADIO: In the papers this
morning, this makes the front page
on nearly every... RADIO OFF
HE SIGHS Ready? Yeah.
It's going to be
OK. Yeah, yeah.
RADIO: When is it right for doctors
to withdraw treatment from very
sick children and
allow them to die?
Usually such decisions are made
in partnership between doctors
and parents, but when
they can't agree,
hospitals must seek
permission from a judge.
JUMBLED SHOUTS FROM CROWD
Nicci! Nicci! Hey, Nicci!
SHOUTS CONTINUE
We're just going to go straight
in, thank you very much.
Hi, Nicci, what would you say
to mothers in your position?
I wouldn't need to say anything,
because they'd understand.
Because they, like me, have spent
their entire lives fighting.
TRAIN HORN BLASTS
Look, I know you've got the
queen in your hand, play that!
Well, maybe I don't
want to play the queen!
IMITATES GANGSTER You wanna
play dangerous with me?
Whatever that is, I'm scared!
I'm being a mobster!
We're on the train,
we're playing cards, it
was an idea. It passed.
You'd have been my moll.
Do cowboys have molls?
Not cowboys, mobsters! No!
You'd have been kept anyway. No.
I would have found someone
much more powerful to keep me.
No-one more powerful than
me would have wanted you!
Nonsense, I'd have been an
accountant who mainly specialised
in fencing arrangements!
Er, I could have cleaned any money.
I would have been known as Bagwash.
SHE LAUGHS
I know a game we can play.
Follow me, Bagwash.
What?
Come on!
What are you doing? Ooh, no.
No. No!
This is not comfortable.
Can we not just enjoy
our last bit of freedom?
We are too old for...
Oh! OK. OK?
Yeah, well, you know,
my knees are not great.
And this is a bit... No,
it's nice. Just shush.
But... Shush! Will
you stop shushing me?!
Oh! Ow! What? Fuck! I'm trying!
Ow! Fuck! THEY GIGGLE
Race you!
Nicci! Come on! It's for fun!
Not through the car park.
What's the matter with you?
Heaven's sake!
It's fine. What's fine?
If there were any problems,
they would have called.
Yeah, I know.
HE LAUGHS What?
Hey!
On time! Very impressive.
Hey, a welcoming
party! Hi. All right?
Good trip? Great
trip! How were they?
Oh, both as good as gold.
Yeah, she had a bit of
a turn at one point.
What? What kind of a turn?
But Alice gave her a cold
compress and read her a story
and that sorted her
out a little bit.
Right. Katie wasn't on
her phone the whole time?
Oh, a bit. But she was good.
Helpful. Helpful? Yeah.
Alice hardly slept. Kept checking
on her every five minutes.
Well, the alarms work fine.
You think I didn't
tell her that? Hey!
Hi! How are you?
Good! You look like
you had a good time.
We did. Yeah? Yeah.
They've been brilliant.
Well, we'd expect nothing less!
Right, we're off then.
You'll be OK
getting back? Ha-ha!
It's only a full three streets
away, mate, we're not that tired!
Listen, I can't tell you what
this break has done for us.
Ah! Mwah! They are
both such lovely girls.
Ah, thank you. See ya!
She was smiling.
Well, there's a lot to be
smiling about, mate, right?
Yeah.
Listen, er...
I'll see you at work.
You certainly will.
Hmm! And how were you?
Bored. At one
point Frank told me
all about the internal workings
of a combustion engine.
Ha, yeah. Well, he doesn't
do wide ranging conversation.
But you like Alice, right?
Yeah, well, every time she
talked, he interrupted her, so...
Well, thank you for
trying to be polite.
NICCI: OK? Are you
comfy? Yeah. Yeah?
Can I have my blanket?
WHISPERS: She's a bit sweaty.
Mum was telling me
about the holiday.
Oh, it was great. She
said you dried your socks
on the radiator and they stank.
Um, excuse me!
The hotel was charging
£3 for washing socks,
so I did them myself.
Cheapskate. Mwah! Night, love.
What? It was supposed
to be romantic.
You told me it was
going to be romantic.
Well, the socks didn't
dilute the romance too badly.
THERMOMETER BEEPS
And if anything, they helped.
Turns out your mum
likes stinky rooms! Hmm.
Now, what are we reading?
Please tell me we've
finished that damn wizard.
SINGSONG: Goodnight,
sleep tight.
I'll see you in the morning.
You promised you'd stop that.
I love you, I love you, I love
you, I love you, I love you.
Goodnight.
PLATES CLATTER
Hey. Hey. She go down
OK? Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Bed? Er... Yeah,
I'll be up in a bit.
If you come to bed
we could, er...
finish what we started in
that disgusting toilet. Ha-ha!
You know, if you
wanted to. Right. Or...
Or, or we could... I
think Katie's still awake.
No, she's not. She's not. Let's stay
on holiday for a bit longer, eh?
You taste of peanut butter. Mm!
Alley-oop! Oh!
CUTLERY RATTLES Mm.
Ooh! THEY GIGGLE
MUSIC: Fools Gold
by The Stone Roses
NICCI: Andrew!
Andrew!
Andrew! ALARM PEALS
MARNIE BREATHES RAGGEDLY
It's all right, pet.
I've got you. I've got
you. It's all right.
It's OK. Just breathe.
SUCTION WHOOSHES
Ambulance? Yeah. It's on its
way. Her temperature's rocketing.
It's another fucking infection.
It's all right, honey.
It's all right. It's
all right. You ready?
OK. It's all right.
It's all right.
OK. You're OK. OK.
That's it, just breathe.
SIREN WAILS
It's OK, darling,
we're nearly there.
MARNIE BREATHS RAGGEDLY
OK. Sh, sh, sh.
It's going to be OK,
sweetheart. Don't worry.
I'm right here,
Marnie. Mum's here.
I'm going to send Katie a text.
Oxygen levels stabilised, blah,
blah. Normal drill, go to sleep.
Temperature stable.
Temperature checked.
What do you mean? I
checked her temperature.
Right.
Bizarrely, I feel quite hungry.
Probably all that exercise. Hmm.
Um, can I get you...?
I can't buy crisps for
one. I won't eat them.
You don't need to eat them.
You just need to have them.
Having them means I can have them.
Difference being, I'll eat mine.
Cheese and onion.
Cheese and onion.
Oh, money. I didn't bring money.
COINS RATTLE
I may need to buy a
chocolate bar too.
KISSES I checked
her temperature.
COINS RATTLE, DROP
MACHINE WHIRS, PRODUCT CLUNKS
We're going to have to
forget about it for now.
We'll have another
look when we get back.
Andrew, come on, we're
going to be late.
OK, I'm sure we can get something
when we're there. Andrew...
I couldn't find her bloody water.
Did you hide your bottle again? No.
She can use mine. Just
get her in the car.
In the car. I'm going to
close the boot. You get in.
No, no, no, no,
not today, Caitlin.
No, no, no. Come on. I want
to drive. I want to drive.
Right, in you get.
Not today. Come on.
In you get with your sister.
That's it. I'm tired.
OK. Well, it's 11am. I
think you'll survive.
Right.
OK. OK. Here, darling,
take mine. Thanks.
IGNITION STARTS, "THE WHEELS
ON THE BUS" PLAYS LOUDLY
Sorry. Sorry, Marnie.
TURNS VOLUME DOWN
Right. OK, everyone ready?
Yeah, yeah, I've got
the letter I think.
Yeah. You go and get a seat.
Hi. Um, we've got an
appointment at one...
Ah, we're a bit late for
an appointment at 1.15
with Dr... Sendak? Am
I saying that right?
I want Dad's phone. Why?
Are you expecting a call?
KATIE GRIZZLES Ask him,
don't ask me. Ask him.
Stop.
She wants your phone.
I've just... I've just got
to do a few work things.
You got her started on it.
Here you go.
Don't be nervous.
Of course I'm nervous.
So, we've had all
our tests back.
She's lovely, by the way.
Ah, who's this? A
young doctor? Sure.
Do you want a
challenge? Come with me.
I would like you to draw a
family of faces on these,
so that by the time me and
Mummy and Daddy have finished
our meeting, you can do us a
puppet show, OK? OK. Fantastic.
Also lovely. Thank you.
Ah, yeah.
We've had the test results
back and, er, they do indicate
a problem with her muscles.
So, can you make a diagnosis?
Well, they showed
abnormal muscle cells
suggestive of a
muscular dystrophy.
Although genetic testing has been
unable to identify a sub-type.
So she has muscular dystrophy,
but you don't know what kind?
Yeah. This is true in a lot
of patients, I'm afraid.
Ah...
What does this mean...
for her future, Doctor?
Well, that's where this
is particularly difficult.
Looking at her test results
and charting her progress,
I would say that a
further deterioration
seems extremely likely.
She's unlikely to be
able to walk unaided,
and she's likely to see other
complications to key organs.
NICCI SOBS QUIETLY
What?
I think it's very important that you
know this as quickly as possible.
I think you should prepare
yourselves for the possibility
that Marnie's life
will not be a full one.
Really?
I'm sorry, yes. In my
professional opinion, yes.
Although science, of course,
can do wonderful things.
Hey. How are you doing over
there? Have you done me yet?
It's very important
you get my nose right.
Perhaps we should be
speaking to someone else?
I would recommend it. It frequently
sets people's minds at rest.
And I can give you a list of doctors
names, if you like? Yes. Thank you.
Please come and talk
to me again, any time.
This is a number for me so
we can set up a meeting,
perhaps when you haven't
got the kids with you.
We had to bring them both because
we both wanted to be here.
Of course. And I've loved
having them both here.
There are many beautiful
stories in this life.
Please don't assume
that Marnie's story
is going to be any
less beautiful.
It'll just be different, and you
have to adapt to that difference.
And you'll find
such joy if you do.
MUNCHES NOISILY
And you'll bring those out to me
as soon as you have them? Right.
Hey.
So, Marnie has a
severe chest infection.
She's on a ventilator
and now stable.
We're not able to tell when
she'll be well enough to extubate.
With the previous damage
to her lungs and now this,
it may prove difficult.
We went away. We left
her with friends.
Important to get away.
Yeah, but if we'd have been
there, I'd have seen signs...
You didn't do
anything wrong, Nicci.
You didn't do anything wrong.
You're excellent parents.
Look, you've heard
this enough times,
but the best thing to do
now is go home and sleep.
We'll know more in the morning.
VENTILATOR HISSES
DISTANT SIRENS WAIL
Going away...
..it didn't cause this.
We've been here
before. It'll be fine.
Apollo 11, this is Houston,
the pitches are hot-firing,
and it's looking good.
Houston, this is Apollo
11, and this is some ride!
You are both idiots!
We are highly trained
astronauts, I'll have you know!
I cannae hold her,
Captain! She's breaking up!
THEY LAUGH
I thought I got
everything. Hey.
Yeah. No, I saw you'd
tidied. That was...
Thank you, that was kind.
I just wanted to
help. Maybe I didn't.
No, you did. This is...
..this is just me, you know,
taking my mind off things.
Yeah. You OK?
Yeah, yeah. Great.
Erm, do you want to do
something this weekend?
When Marnie's back?
Well, I'm busy this
weekend. All weekend?
Yeah. My orchestra has
that thing... Oh, shit.
No, it's OK, it's just... No,
no. It's not. It's not OK,
because, erm... Look, I
didn't... Um... I, I didn't...
You don't need to show me.
No, no, wait... I just...
Let me... Please don't show
me. No, I want to show you.
It's fine. It's in
the diary. There.
You don't need to come.
Of course I'm going to come.
I heard there's a big
trumpet scout in town, OK?
Handing out trumpet
scholarships. Ha-ha! Right.
Specifically looking for Grade
4 players who can parp out
Peter Rabbit's Got
A Fly Upon His Nose.
Oh, you're a bitch. You're
a bitch! Parp pa-pa-parp!
THEY LAUGH Parp parp parp!
She's going to be OK, right?
Of course she is.
This is all... this is just normal.
It's absolutely normal. Yeah.
OK? It's just the usual.
Music?
Do you mind if we don't?
Radio 4?
Yeah, you can if you want.
Always seems like there's a
complete lack of mystery here.
What? In the town?
Yeah. Don't you think?
Like if you knocked on any
door, you'd find exactly
what you'd expect to find.
I suppose that's what a
home is. The expected.
RADIO: The UK national newspapers
are calling on the Government
to protect the Freedom
of Information Act
following criticism that the public
are being unfairly obstructed...
RADIO AND ENGINE OFF
You don't need to come in. We
know what they're going to say.
No. Look, you've
taken four days off
and there may be a pile up of
stuff. Frank can't handle it all.
IGNITION STARTS
SIRENS WAIL
Nicci!
I've got a new Jojo
Moyes! Oh, that's nice.
Well, you liked her last one.
Yeah, I did. She's great.
I'm just not really
in a reading mood.
The Coopers have been
back through. OK.
I think their little girl might
be stage four now. Very sad.
Right. Well, be sure to tell
them my kid's dying too.
Well, I, I...
I'm sorry. Sorry.
I thought you'd care. No,
I do... I was passing on.
I'm not a gossip. I-I know.
I'm sorry. I... Sorry. Sorry.
Have you finished with the
one you last had from me?
The Anne Tyler? Yeah. Yeah.
Well, you should bring them
back, when you've done with them,
the books you buy from me.
So I can sell them again.
And that way, everyone benefits.
Yeah, I'll do that,
Gladys. I'm sorry.
Nicci? Can we just...? Yeah.
Fuck.
She's had a hard night, but she's
responding to the antibiotics now.
Good. She's a fighter.
Wilful. She's wilful.
Samantha would like Andrew to
come in, to talk to you both.
About what? All I know is she
wants to talk to you. Fine.
When? I think about
four, if that's possible.
Hey. Hey, honey.
Hey, Marnie.
How's she doing? She's doing OK.
Shall we get that
gorgeous hair brushed?
The doctors have
you all in a tangle.
There you go.
Are you OK, boss?
Sure. It'll be fine.
I've told her to come at four, if
you'd still like to see them then?
Yes. Yes, that's perfect.
I can be there. You'll be vital.
That bad, is it?
You're always vital.
Are you still going to those
sessions with Dr Stewart?
I don't have time.
You look thinner.
Thank you, Doctor.
I'm entirely fine.
I'm going to start
bringing you in a sandwich.
If I start eating your sandwiches,
then I really am in trouble.
You look thin. You can fuck off!
Hmm. Right, yes, I will.
Mm. But, in the meantime,
let us admit young Anoushka.
Hey. 'Hi.' Eh, you're
needed, after all.
They want to talk to us,
at four, I think they said.
I think there might
be something wrong.
Erm, just get here as
quickly as you can, will you?
'OK. I'll be there.' Bye.
Are you all right? Hey. Yeah.
You want to go straight up? Yeah.
Yeah? OK.
Hi. Hi. Hi.
Coffee? Or the brown sludge we
call coffee around here. I'm fine.
I'll have a coffee. Oh, I
always knew there'd be one.
Nicci, white, two sugars,
isn't it? Er, yeah, OK.
Erm, it's one sugar.
I'm cutting down.
Good on you. I can't.
It's fine. I've got
those, thank you.
Sorry, have we met before? No.
Hello, I'm Dr Nescott. Nicci.
Jeremy. Hi. Apologies.
He's one of our palliative
care consultants.
Why are we meeting with
someone from palliative care?
Erm, let's sit down and
have a chat, shall we?
Please.
Marnie has a serious
chest infection
and it seems that it's more severe
than any she's ever had before.
Is it something we could
have noticed earlier?
These infections are happening with
increasing frequency and severity.
It has nothing to
do with holidays.
You have done nothing wrong.
Um, so, we're going
to need a timeframe -
when you're going
to try to extubate,
when we can take her home.
I think before we try and take
the breathing tube out again,
we need to review Marnie's
advanced care plan,
to agree on what should or
shouldn't happen, if she's not
able to breathe on her own. I
thought we'd already made clear...
These chest infections
are having an impact.
We call this stepwise
deterioration.
Each time she's a little sicker,
it takes longer to recover,
and she never gets back
to where she was before.
She is a fighter.
She's wilful. Hmm.
The last year, as you know,
has been extremely tough,
on you, on her. I've counted.
We've intubated her six times,
and it's very unpleasant for her
to have to keep going
back on the ventilator.
We have to question
the costs of that.
The costs?
To Marnie.
We think it's time to discuss
whether it's right to keep
treating her in this way.
Well, if we are
revisiting costs,
then maybe it's time to start
thinking about fitting a trachy.
As I've said before, Nicci...
I think you can explain again.
A tracheostomy is an
intrusive procedure.
It requires intensive,
painful, ongoing management,
and it is very unlikely, given
the state of Marnie's lungs,
that she will be fit enough.
There are cases. I mean,
there are a lot of cases
where people have taken
their children home with trachys
and, I think... It won't work.
I'm really sorry. Why don't you
just say what you want to say, OK?
Because this dancing around,
it's not helping anyone.
What exactly are you saying? She's
saying that she wants her to die.
No. No, that's not...
We believe it's time to
consider, just consider,
moving her to
supportive care only.
And, yes, that is why
I invited Dr Nescott.
We can make her comfort
the top priority.
She still laughs.
She still loves.
She still...
I can still see so
much inside her.
She's a smashing girl, but
her body is failing her.
Right, well, then we start talking
about more experimental treatments,
OK? Vamorolone has
worked for Duchenne's,
erm, Zolgensma for SMA.
You know, something like that. One
of those or something like that.
Nicci, she's
deteriorating rapidly.
And increasing medical intervention
will have less and less impact
on her life expectancy.
But more importantly,
they will hurt her.
I am really sorry.
Yeah.
Yeah, you already said.
I don't need my
fucking hand held, OK?
Not for this.
We asked you for a timeframe,
so just give us a timeframe.
When can we take her home?
I'll have a better idea
whether that's even possible
in the next few days.
OK, then.
Please be careful.
Take your time.
Marnie, that's cheating.
Not so fast, Marnie.
Not so... not so fast!
Just stay under 8mph.
Nicci, we can see Marnie, then go on
home and we'll talk properly then.
We are not leaving
here without her.
They've saved her life countless
times. Yeah, when they wanted to.
They wanted to before.
They don't now.
You had no idea what she was
building to in there, I knew.
I knew, I knew as soon as
she wanted to pull us in.
I knew because I have seen
how she looks at Marnie.
I want a different
doctor now, OK? I want...
OK, let's... let's go
home. Katie's expecting us.
We need to talk to her and
explain what's happening.
No, you can go home to Katie.
She doesn't need both of us.
I'm going to stay here, OK?
Because I need to stay here.
I'm going to go to Marnie.
Nicci? Nic, Nicci? Nic?
I believe that she has
moments of great happiness.
Do you believe that?
Yes. I believe that she has
moments where she sees the world,
and sees enormous beauty in it.
Yeah, I think so too.
I believe that she knows and that
she feels love. Of course she does.
I know what you're
thinking. And you are wrong.
You don't know what I'm thinking.
They don't get to decide what to do.
She's our child! I love her too!
Do you think I don't fucking...
Then promise me that
you will fight for her.
I will fight with
everything I've got.
Now, there's nothing we can
do here, please, let's...
..let's go home.
I thought you'd be
bringing her home.
Er, no, no.
Where's mum?
How bad is she?
Pretty bad.
What does that mean?
Er, things have, erm...
..developed.
Developed, how?
Erm...
Is she going to die, Dad?
She's been dying for a
long time, you know that.
Is she dying now?
Can you... Can you not?
I've enough to cope with,
dealing with your mum,
don't do this to me. OK.
Hey!
You still reading?
Where's your lamb? There he is.
Caitlin, we've something to tell
you. Katie. It's Katie, remember.
Erm, yeah.
Your sister's very poorly.
What?
Your sister's going to be, er...
Your sister's very poorly.
Will she be OK?
Hey. Hey.
Did I hear you playing
the trumpet? Er, no.
Oh, God, I'm hearing
ghost trumpets again!
When did you get here?
Er, I'm just here for
a change of knickers.
That's your catchphrase,
do you know that?
Just here for a
change of knickers.
Is it? Mm. God, that
sounds moderately sexy.
KATIE LAUGHS
Did you sleep at all?
No. It's early though, isn't it?
Yeah, it's like, half-six.
Right. I'll see you later.
Try and get a little sleep
before you go back. Katie.
I'm fine, Mum.
But, um...
Your dad told you
what's happening?
He told me there'd
been... developments,
and then he got pissed off.
Well, um...
the hospital said that
they want to stop...
treatment.
Look, let's have a piece
of toast, OK? Let's...
We'll watch some
breakfast TV, and...
Yeah, I've got time for toast.
Mum. Mum.
It's OK.
Go to bed. Go to sleep.
I'll just... talk to you later.
But she's going to be
fine. Yeah. You'll see.
They're wrong about
her. Yeah. Yeah.
OK.
This one is Katie the dog.
I mean, apparently, I wanted
to give her my own name.
MARNIE GURGLES
This is Annabel.
Don't call your doll Annabel.
This is Norby.
I don't know where
that name came from.
And this is Rosie, named after
a girl I liked in reception.
But she turned
out to be a bully,
which is why her face has been
scrubbed out with permanent marker.
But Mum said you might
want to play with them.
Katie the dog. You can keep her.
These are yours now.
Hey.
Hey.
Oh, you saved me one. Is
that weird? It's a bit weird.
And it smells. What shit are
you putting in your hair?
Shampoo. I don't know.
It smells like musk.
Yeah, it's probably musk.
What the fuck is musk?
THEY LAUGH
I mean, the doctors are pretty
sound, most of the time.
You know, the ones that I know.
And they just think, like...
What is it? It's
called grey death.
It'll have you in a deep
coma within two hours.
Is my mum's clonazepam. She got
deep into them during Covid.
So, will they? Stop it?
You know, your sister? No.
My mum will keep her
alive as a sort of...
..breathing husk.
She thinks it's all her fault, that
she was, like, selfish to have her.
Yeah, my mum thinks that, too.
Does she?
Look, don't have a
go at me about it.
Your mum thinks
she's selfish too.
What, so you'd... kill her?
That's how you're asking
that? No, sorry, um, you'd...
let her go? No.
I mean, she's still... You saw
her, she's still able to live a...
She still laughs.
How can you let go of
someone who still laughs?
Because they're
in pain, I guess?
Yeah, but she's not a... dog.
She's a human. Look,
sure. I like her.
Your mum shouldn't say
stuff like that. Mm.
Is the pill working?
How will I know when
it is? Oh, you'll know.
No, then.
So, how's school? Yeah.
How's orchestra? Really? How's
Natalie Crowmore? She still a bitch?
How's job-hunting? Oh, OK,
yeah. Sure. Fair enough.
Well, my dad sent me an email
with jobs he's found online.
He keeps saying, "Have you
seen my email with the links?"
Well, um, I got a solo,
and I can't do it.
And, yeah, Natalie is, yeah...
still a bitch.
Well...
why don't you just
tell her to fuck off?
That pill's kicking in.
So, does Marnie get prescribed
diazepam or chloral hydrate?
Hannah, don't be suggesting
that... I'm just joking. Jesus.
Maybe.
Bug up your arse. Well, next
time you tell a joke, wink.
Yeah? Yeah! So I actually know.
There's been a problem.
She's had another, er..
OK, well, I'm coming.
She's in the best place. She's had
an emergency in the hospital, Dad.
That means it's bad. I'm coming.
You smell of cigarettes.
VOICES, PHONES RING
DOOR BEEPS
What happened? One, two,
three, four, five, six...
seven, eight, nine,
ten, eleven...
Stop compressions, check pulse.
Good chest rise. And resume.
One, two, three, four...
Hey.
Marnie's had a cardiac arrest
due to a collapsed lung.
She's had a heart attack?
Do not let her die in there.
She's now stable, but
it took extensive CPR.
And I want you to prepare
yourselves for the very likely
possibility that she might have some
brain damage as a result of this.
If she dies... She
won't, she won't, Nicci.
She's now stable.
They've got her.
We're doing all we can for
her. You will do anything.
And everything.
Please.
She'll be fine.
She'll be fine.
PHONE RINGS
There's something about hospitals
that makes me hungry for crisps.
I think there's something
about everywhere that makes you
hungry for crisps. Nonsense. I'm
the healthiest person I know.
COINS JINGLE
You OK?
Are you OK? I asked first.
I actually meant it.
SHE SIGHS
Brain damage and heart attacks.
Yeah, I know.
Now, can I interest you
in a packet of crisps?
Um...
Dad.
Sandwiches.
I brought cheese and pickle
sandwiches. Oh, thanks, Dad.
And a sausage roll for the
boy here. Ah, thanks, Eddie.
And a...
A vegan bread, whatever it is.
It's just gluten-free bread,
Grandad, thank you. Aye.
I tried a bit with butter
when dicing and slicing.
Actually it wasn't bad.
Tasted almost like bread.
Yeah? A bit... dry.
Yeah.
How's she doing?
Er, we're waiting
for a brain scan.
Right.
Right.
OK, I need you to
concentrate now,
because in a second the
song's going to kick in,
and I need you to hear it. OK.
You'll know it. And then
beats, I do...? That one. OK.
Yeah, here we go. OK,
OK. Three, two, one...
♪ Let's let things come
out of the woodwork
♪ I'll give you my best side,
tell you all my best lies... ♪
And then up!
♪ Awesome, right? ♪
And then twist.
♪ Let things come
out of the woodwork
♪ I'll give you my best side,
tell you all my best lies
♪ Seeing me rolling,
showing someone else love
♪ Dancing with our shoes off
♪ Know I think you're
awesome, right?
♪ Our rules, our
dreams, we're blind
♪ Blowing shit up
♪ With home-made d-d-d-dynamite
♪ Our friends, our
drinks, we get inspired
♪ Blowing shit up
♪ With home-made d-d-d-dynamite
♪ Blowing shit up
♪ With home-made d-d-d... ♪
SHRIEK ON TV
LAUGHTER ON TV
Hey.
You know you're 17?
Out of the catchment area
for The Dumping Ground.
How's she doing,
Mum? She's, er...
You know, she's...
I'm just here for a
change of knickers, and...
Good.
That's good. I'm not just
here for a change of knickers.
I'm here to see you. OK.
Your dad's going to stay at
the hospital tonight as well.
You're going to be on your
own. Is that OK? Yeah.
Or you could come too.
To the hospital. If you like.
Um... I'll be better here.
I like watching her shows too.
I'm off, then. See you tomorrow.
See you tomorrow, twinkle toes.
OK.
Let's go hard at some
Adrian Mole, then, shall we?
What do you think?
I know you're a bit old, but...
..thought you might
like it anyway.
HE CLEARS HIS THROAT
Always loved Adrian Mole.
Massively over-empathised,
to be honest with you.
And on the upside,
it's not about wizards.
So, er...
PAGES TURN
Ahem. OK.
"Saturday, May the 9th.
"I was woken up at 8:30 by a
loud banging on the front door.
"It was an electricity
board official.
"I was amazed to
hear..." Thank you.
"that he had come to
turn off the electricity.
"Tuesday, May the 12th.
"Had a long talk with Mr Vann,
the careers teacher, today.
"He said that if I want to be
a vet, I'll have to do physics,
"chemistry and
biology for O-level.
"He said that art, woodwork and
domestic science won't do much good.
"I am at the
crossroads in my life."
VENTILATOR HISSES
"The wrong decision now
could result in a tragic loss
"to the veterinary world.
"I'm hopeless at science."
Don't stop on my account.
ANDREW SOBS
Don't do that.
She can hear. Andrew!
Andrew, don't do that.
She can hear you, Andrew! I'm
sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Did you see that? Andrew!
She moved. She...
She... She felt
me and she moved.
Marnie, honey, can you
do that again, please?
Can you squeeze my hand?
She's going to get better.
DOORBELL RINGS
Katie, it's time.
Hiya. Hiya, kid.
Katie, now!
How are you doing?
I'm OK. Let's go.
And how are you doing?
I think we've all been better.
MAN: Nicci!
WOMAN: Nicci! Nicci!
REPORTERS ALL SHOUT
We're just going to go straight
in, thank you very much.
Excuse me, sorry, please...
Right, Nicci, what would you
say to mothers in your position?
I wouldn't need to say anything,
because they'd understand.
Because they, like me, have spent
their entire lives fighting.
For money, for wheelchairs.
For breathing equipment,
for night-time support,
for educational support,
because they, like me,
have had to swallow
their tongues
while those in power
have tried to cheat...
tried to cheat them out
of what their child needs.
I have fought for my
daughter her entire life,
and the way it has
worked every single time
is that those who have
wanted to doubt her
have told me lie after lie.
The hospital wants
my daughter to die.
And I... I believe...
I believe she should live.